After CEO Howard Shultz earlier this week urged D.C. to stop squabbling and joined others such as Boston Market and AMC movie theaters to offer freebies as the shutdown entered its second week, Schultz, who has promised action in coming weeks, is calling customers to sign a petition, which can be found in all of its U.S. locations. The company also has put in full-page ads in national papers.

The petition called for the reopening of the government, paying the U.S. debt on time to avoid another financial crisis and passing a bipartisan and long-term budget deal by the end of the year.

Schultz is no stranger to political debate and action advocate. After finding Starbucks as a rallying place for gun advocates and target of anti-gun activists, the company said in September firearms are no longer welcomed in its stores.

Threat of a prolonged government shutdown is causing concerns across the retail industry after a disappointing September raised stakes heading into the critical holiday season.

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Behind the Storefront is a blog about all things retail. It’s aimed at investors, shoppers and anyone else with a passion for learning about what drives consumer behavior. Hosted by Andria Cheng, Behind the Storefront will cover the business, brands and shopping behavior that’s behind some of the biggest companies, and largest employers, in the world. You can reach Andria at Acheng@marketwatch.com.